Often, we rely on public internet connections or hotspots to surf the web and browse our favourite websites, stream videos, or play online games. The problem with public hotspots is that it’s usually unsecured and has weak signals. So, why share when you can have yours? A reliable, secure, and portable mifi can keep you connected all day long, even in remote locations.
A mobile hotspot, known as a Mifi, can be your traveling companion, providing convenient and easy internet access to keep your laptop, tablet, smartphone, and other connected devices online.
Here’s our pick for the best mobile hotspots or Mifi devices in Canada, but before then, let’s delve into what a Mifi is.
What is a Mifi?
You must have been familiar with the term Wi-Fi – wireless technology for internet connection through a radio wave. Mifi, on the other hand, is a wireless router that transmits data from Wi-Fi to compatible devices.
The exciting feature about a Mifi is that as a mobile hotspot, it’s designed to function on a 3G, 4G, or 5G connection of your mobile phone to create a wireless hotspot.
A Mifi hotspot is a pocket-sized mobile device that connects multiple Internet-compatible devices or users. It’s a piece of ideal equipment for home, office, and on-the-go internet access.
How Does a Mifi Work?
Most new versions of smartphones come with a hotspot or tethering feature that enables data sharing to several devices or users. While your phone could share the internet with other users, it may be unable to handle the long hours of connectivity as this process may drain your device battery faster.
However, a mobile hotspot is designed to run and stay active all day long and to share data across multiple users or devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.
Mobile hotspots work with any Wi-Fi-enabled device. Unlike a USB modem, a Mifi provides internet access and serves as a data-sharing device for multiple users.
A Mifi connects to the internet through a mobile network and shares the internet connection to different devices. Unlike a modem, mobile and portable Mifi are easy to move around, especially for international travellers.
With a Mifi, you can conveniently and securely connect to the internet either at home or office. This device is also ideal for work from home or remote workers.
Cost of Mifi
To use a Mifi hotspot in Canada, you must purchase the device and pay for internet service. You can choose your preferred internet service provider, depending on your choice of internet connection type and mobile data plans.
Canadian subscribers can choose from an array of internet plans offered by internet service providers. Mifi usually comes with different data speeds, rates, and subscription plans.
While many internet providers offer modem rentals, it is economical and suitable to pick up your own mobile hotspot device, as this is suitable for roaming, especially for travellers.
How Much Does a Mifi Cost in Canada?
You can get a Mifi portable hotspot via two options:
- Get it as part of a subscription package from an internet provider. This usually comes with a network-locked SIM card connected to the ISP that supplied it.
- Purchase a Mifi device from merchants, such as Amazon. This usually allows you to connect with any internet provider and can be used by multiple compatible devices or users.
Mifi from Canada’s major ISPs
| Provider | Telus | Rogers | Bell |
| Mobile Mifi Devices | Novatel wireless Mifi 7000 ZTE MF833 mobile Internet ZTE MF288 Smart Hub ZTE MF279 Smart Hub | Inseego MIFI 800 Novatel Mifi 7000 ZTE MF279T Rocket Hub | Nighthawk M5 5G Mobile Hotspot Orbi 4G LTE Advanced Tri-Band Router Alcatel LINKKEYZTE Unite IV Mobile Hotspot |
| Device Cost | $180 – $400 | $199 – $225 | $149 – $636 |
| Data Range | 100MB – 50GB | 100MB – 50GB | Flex Plan: 100MB – 10GB Flex Plus Plan: 5GB – 50GB |
| Price for Mobile Internet Plan | Flex Plan: $10 – $85 per month Fixed Plan: $40 – $65 per month | $10 – $120 per Month | Flex Plan: $10 – $110 per month Flex Plus Plan: $60 – $150 per month |
Best Mifi in Canada
1. GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot
Brand: GlocalMe
Connection Types: 4G LTE
Connection Technology: Wi-Fi, USB
Download Speed: Up to 150 Mbps
Upload Speed: Up to 50 Mbps
Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
Battery: 3900 mAh
Connectivity: Type C
Screen Size: 5.0 HD
Device Sharing: Up to 10 Devices
Weight: 188g (net)
SIM Slot: 1xNanoSIM
Data Cap: 8GB CA Data + 1GB Global Data
Contract: NoneGlobal Coverage: Over 140 countries and regions
The GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Portable Mifi comes with a high-speed hotspot for mobile internet connection. This pocket Mifi also comes with 8GB CA Data for local usage within Canada and 1GB Global data for international data usage.
As one of Canada’s best portable Wi-Fi, this flexible device is ideal for local and international internet access. GlocalMe has global coverage in over 140 countries and regions – the device has an inbuilt data plan that can be used anywhere in the world.
This Mifi uses the fast-speed 4G LTE network to deliver download and upload data for up to ten devices or users simultaneously, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.
This mobile wireless hotspot requires no SIM card to function and also comes with o contract from subscribers. Just pay-as-you-go flexible usage.
The GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE comes in a slim version and a user-friendly touchscreen interface. Besides, the GlocalMe G4 has a smart assistant feature, a GlocalMe App to top up and monitor your data usage.
2. Huawei E5577Cs – 321 150 Mbps
Brand: Huawei
Connection Types: 4G LTE
Connection Technology: Wi-Fi, wireless, USB
Download Speed: up to 150 Mbps 4G LTE and 43.2 Mbps 3G
Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer battery
Device Sharing: up to 10 DevicesSIM Card: Unlocked
The Huawei E5577Cs 321 Wireless Portable Hotspot comes with up to 150 Megabits per second download speed using the high-speed 4G LTE connection. This device can be used by up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices or users simultaneously.
The E5577 uses LTE/3G and Wi-Fi networks to deliver fast download and upload speeds to your device. This pocket-size Mifi comes with an LCD display for settings configuration or barcode scanning.
While it provides a multilingual menu in English, Italian, German, and Spanish languages, you can also download a compatible Huawei mobile Wi-Fi app for proper data management. In addition, the device comes with 1 lithium polymer that provides up to six hours of active time and up to 300 hours of standby.
3. GlocalMe U3 Mobile Hotspot 4G LTE
Brand: GlocalMe
Connection Types: Wi-Fi
Connection Technology: 4G LTE
Download Speed: 150 Mbps
Upload Speed: 50 Mbps
Battery: 3000 mAh (13 hours active time)
Device Sharing: Up to 10 devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more
SIM Card Type: Nano SIM Card
Contract: None
Global Coverage: Over 140 countries
The GlocalMe U3 Mobile Hotspot uses 4G LTE to provide fast and reliable internet for your home, office, outdoor, or international usage. This device is compatible for usage in over 140 countries. It’s unlocked to use any SIM card and also allows a SIM-free internet connection. The device has a Nano SIM card slot for SIM connections.
With the GlocalMe U3 wireless portable Wi-Fi, you’ll enjoy free 1.1 GB global data and 8GB local data.
This Mifi enables the connection of up to 10 compatible devices at the same time. While using this portable wireless hotspot, you can rest assured of a long-lasting connection as it comes with a 3000mAh battery life of up to 13 hours of active usage.
Besides, the device is compatible with the GlocalMe App for managing your data usage, purchasing data, and connecting to your personal network. Data package on this Mifi is categorized into three:
- Unlimited package
- Normal package
- Multi-region package
4. Netgear Nighthawk Mobile Hotspot Router (MR 1110)
Brand: Netgear
Connection Types: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
Download Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
Upload Speed: 150 Mbps
Battery: 5040 mAh
Display: LCD
Device Sharing: Up to 20 DevicesSIM Card: Unlocked – works with any ISP
This super-fast Nightgear MR 1100 Mobile Portable Internet Device delivers up to 1 Gigabit per second download speed and up to 150 Megabits per second upload speed. It’s an ideal companion for frequent travellers, family or business usage. It has a 5040 mAh battery that offers long-lasting active usage. This device also has an LCD screen with an intuitive display to access your data usage, network management, or signal strength.
5. Huawei E5885 LS-93a 4G LTE Mobile Wi-Fi
Brand: Huawei
Connection Types: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet
Connection Technology: 4G LTE and 3G DC-HSPA
Download Speed: 300 Mbps
Upload Speed: 50 Mbps
Battery: inbuilt – 6400 mAh 25 hours active time or 1600 hours standby
Device Sharing: Up to 32 users
SD Card: Micro SD Card slot up to 32GB
The high-speed internet connection delivered through the E5885 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot is suitable for local and global internet access.TThis Mifi can serve as a portable power supply to other devices with its plug and charge features with its plug and charge feature. It can connect up to 32 compatible devices or users simultaneously, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, etc.
The E5885 Mifi is a pocket-size wireless modem shaped like a purse. While it supports WAN/LAN connections, it’s also built to provide Ethernet/3G dual access. It has a long-lasting battery life for an uninterrupted internet connection. This device can work for up to 25 hours and up to 16—hours standby.
6. TP-Link AC 750 Wireless Wi-Fi Travel Router (TL-WR902AC)
Brand: TP-Link
Connection: Dual Band AC750 Wi-Fi
Connection Technology: Wi-Fi
Download Speed: 400 Mbps
Compatibility: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/Mac OS/Linus
Wi-Fi Speed: 400 Mbps 2.4GHz + 433 Mbps 5GHz
The pocket-friendly and pocket-sized AC 750 WR902AC Wireless Hotspot is ideal for travellers who prefer secure and private internet connections on the go.
This mobile hotspot has a fast-speed connection to deliver up to 400 megabits per second download speed. It can conveniently serve as a hotspot for the laptop, tablet, smartphone, game console, and more.
The WR902AC comes with a multi-function USB for file sharing and power supply to other devices.
7. Alcatel Link Zone 4G LTE Global MW41NF – 2AOFUS1
Brand: Alcatel
Connection Types: Wi-Fi, USB
Connection Technology: 4G LTE
Download Speed: 150 Mbps
Upload Speed: 50 Mbps
Battery: Up to 6 hours (1800 mAh)
Connectivity: 4G LTE
Cellular Technology: 4G, 3G, 2G
Device Connection: Up to 15 UsersProcessor Speed: 2.4 GHz
If you need 4G connectivity everywhere you go, you should consider the Link Zone 4G LTE Portable Wi-Fi from Alcatel. This device can simultaneously deliver a download speed of up to 150 megabits per second for 15 Wi-Fi devices. It has a lightweight pocket-size feature that makes it easy to carry around.
Difference Between Mifi and Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is the wireless technology that connects different compatible devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more. However, Mifi is a wifi-compatible device that is used to access the internet. Mifi works as a portable mobile hotspot.
